Did you know that nearly 30% of vehicles fail their MOT test on the first attempt due to issues that could have been easily prevented? Regular maintenance, such as servicing and MOTs, is not just about ticking off legal requirements - it’s about ensuring your car stays safe, efficient, and ready for the road. If you’re wondering how long an MOT takes, what’s included, or whether you should book a service at the same time, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can keep your car in top shape without any surprises. Let’s dive in!
What Is an MOT Test?
An MOT test is a safety and roadworthiness check for vehicles that are over three years old, or 4 years if the car is registered in Northern Ireland. This check is legally required, and it ensures your car is fit to be on the road, meeting safety and environmental standards. If your car fails the MOT, there may be some issues that need to be addressed before you can legally drive it.
Here’s the thing: if your car doesn’t have a valid MOT certificate, you risk facing fines, invalid insurance, and even the potential for your car to be impounded. So, it’s really not something to skip or delay. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a car without a valid MOT, and worse, if your car isn’t roadworthy and causes an accident, your insurance might not cover you.
The MOT test checks things like brakes, lights, tyres, exhaust systems, and suspension. Here’s the full list of the tests included in the MOT test.
How Long Does an MOT Take?
The great news about MOT tests is that they don’t take forever! In most cases, they take between 45 and 90 minutes, so you can expect to be done within that time if there are no major issues with your vehicle. Many garages offer waiting areas where you can relax, grab a coffee, or even catch up on work. If your car passes, you’ll be out of there and back on the road in no time with your new MOT certificate.
However, this time can vary depending on the complexity of your vehicle’s condition. If you’ve scheduled an MOT along with a car service, be sure to allow extra time, as the service usually takes longer.
What Happens If Your Car Fails the MOT?
No one likes to think about a failed MOT, but it’s important to understand what happens if your car doesn’t pass the test. Here’s how it breaks down:
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Minor Issues: If your car fails the MOT due to something that’s not dangerous - like a worn wiper blade or a small crack in a light—these are called advisories. Your car can still pass the MOT, but the issues should be fixed soon to avoid further damage.
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Major or Dangerous Faults: If your car fails due to serious issues (like faulty brakes or broken suspension), it’s a no-go. Your vehicle won’t be allowed back on the road until it’s fixed. If the fault is dangerous, you won’t be able to drive the car at all until the repair is complete.
Here’s a pro tip: If your old MOT certificate is still valid and there are no dangerous issues found, you can drive your car away and get the repairs done elsewhere. However, if there are dangerous issues or your MOT has expired, your car will be stuck in the garage until it’s safe to drive again.
Can You Combine an MOT and Service?
Absolutely! Many people opt to combine their MOT with a car service. It’s a great way to save time and ensure your car is running smoothly for the year ahead.
Now, keep in mind that the MOT and service are two separate checks and will not be done at the same time. The MOT is all about ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and legally compliant, while a service goes a bit deeper. A car service includes everything from fluid checks to brake inspections and engine diagnostics.
In terms of time, a standard MOT will take about 45-90 minutes, but when you combine it with a service, you might need to set aside 2-4 hours, depending on which level of service you’ve selected (more on that below).
Types of Vehicle Services and How Long They Take
When it comes to vehicle services, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your car’s make, model, age, and how often it’s used all influence what kind of service it needs. Let’s go over the most common types of services and what you can expect in terms of time:
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Interim Service: This is the most basic level of service. It’s a quick 32-point check that includes essential elements like oil and filter changes, tyre checks, and brake inspection. Expect this to take around 1 hour.
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Full Service: The full service is a bit more comprehensive. It includes a 46-point check, which covers everything from an interim service plus additional checks like brake fluid, fuel system inspection, and more. This will take between 2–3 hours.
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Major Service: A major service is the most thorough, ideal for vehicles that haven’t been serviced in a while or are due for big maintenance. It includes everything in the full service, plus additional checks like a brake fluid change, timing belt inspection, and more. This could take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to complete.
When booking both an MOT and a service, you may be expected to leave your car at the garage for a longer period - so plan accordingly!
What Does an MOT Cover?
So, what exactly does an MOT test cover? It’s an extensive checklist that ensures your car is as safe as possible. The test looks at:
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Brakes: The MOT checks the condition of your brake pads and discs. If they’re worn out, it could lead to a failure.
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Tyres: Your tyres are inspected for tread depth (minimum of 1.6mm) and overall condition.
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Lights: All exterior lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators, must be working properly.
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Windscreen and Wipers: A cracked or chipped windscreen could fail the MOT, as well as worn-out wiper blades.
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Suspension and Steering: The MOT looks for wear and tear that could affect your ability to control the vehicle.
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Exhaust and Emissions: Your exhaust system must be intact and free from leaks, and your emissions must meet environmental standards.
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Seatbelts and Airbags: These need to be checked to ensure they’re fully functional and not damaged.
While it doesn’t inspect the engine or gearbox, the MOT test covers the critical components that keep your car safe on the road.
How to Prepare Your Car for an MOT
Preparing for an MOT isn’t hard, but it’s important to do a few simple checks beforehand to boost your chances of passing:
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Windscreen and Wipers: Make sure your windscreen wipers are working and that there’s enough washer fluid in the tank.
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Lights: Test all your car lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators.
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Tyres: Check your tyres to ensure they’re inflated to the correct pressure and have at least 1.6mm tread depth.
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Windscreen: Inspect your windscreen for chips or cracks that could lead to a failure.
A little preparation goes a long way, and it can help you avoid minor repairs that might hold up your MOT.
MOT Classes Explained
Not all vehicles need the same type of MOT test. Here’s a breakdown of the different MOT classes based on the type of vehicle you drive:
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Class 1: Motorcycles with engines up to 200cc.
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Class 2: Motorcycles with engines over 200cc.
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Class 3: Three-wheeled vehicles with an unladen weight of up to 450kg.
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Class 4: Standard cars, motor caravans, and small goods vehicles. This is the most common class for cars.
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Class 5 & 7: Larger vehicles, like minibuses and goods vehicles up to 3,500kg.
Not sure which class your vehicle falls under? Don’t worry - the garage will handle it for you or you can reach out to our experts at Tire Streets.
Finding the Right MOT Test Centre
Choosing the right MOT test centre is essential for getting an accurate and reliable check. Look for a reputable garage with experienced technicians who offer thorough inspections. Many garages even offer discounts if you book an MOT and service together, so don’t forget to ask about deals.
Conclusion
An MOT test doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember, simple preparations - like checking your tyres, lights, and wipers - can make all the difference in passing your MOT without a hitch. And if your car needs repairs, getting them sorted promptly ensures safety and avoids legal issues.
At the end of the day, a well-maintained car isn’t just about compliance - it’s about confidence on the road. Book your MOT and service today, and drive away knowing your vehicle is safe, efficient, and ready for wherever the road takes you!
FAQ
What is the most common fail on a MOT?
The most common reason for MOT failures is issues with lighting and signalling, accounting for about 18.9% of failures. This includes faulty indicators, brake lights, and other bulbs. A simple pre-test check can often prevent this.
How long does an MOT take to show online?
Once your vehicle passes its MOT, the results are typically uploaded to the DVSA's database almost immediately. This means you can check your MOT status online within a few hours after the test. However, there may be be times when it takes anywhere between a few hours to 5 days for the MOT results to be available online. Any longer than five days, you’re advised to contact the DVSA for further clarification.
How long does an MOT last?
An MOT certificate is valid for one year from the date of the test. It's crucial to renew it before it expires to remain legally on the road.
Is oil checked on MOT?
While the MOT test covers many aspects of vehicle safety and emissions, it does not include a check of the engine oil level. However, ensuring your oil is at the correct level is vital for your engine's health and is typically addressed during regular vehicle servicing.
What is the pass rate for the MOT test?
The overall MOT pass rate in the UK hovers around 71.8%. This means that nearly 28% of vehicles fail their MOT each year, often due to preventable issues.
What is a major fault on MOT?
A major fault during an MOT indicates a problem that may affect the vehicle's safety, put other road users at risk, or have an impact on the environment. Examples include significant issues with the braking system, suspension, or severe corrosion. Vehicles with major faults will fail the MOT and must be repaired before they can be driven legally.
What can make you fail MOT?
Several factors can make you fail MOT, including:
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Faulty lighting or signalling
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Worn-out tyres
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Brake issues
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Obstructed driver's view (e.g., cracks in the windscreen)
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Suspension problems
Regular checks can help identify and address these issues before the test.
What is the failure rule for the MOT?
The failure rule for MOT depends on the severity of the faults:
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Minor Faults: These are advisories. Your car passes, but you should fix them soon to avoid future problems.
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Major or Dangerous Faults: Your car fails. If the faults are dangerous, you can’t drive away until they’re fixed.
If a car fails MOT, how long do I have to fix it?
There's no set time limit to repair a vehicle after an MOT failure. However, driving a car without a valid MOT certificate is illegal (unless going to a pre-booked test or repair).
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you can have it repaired and retested within 10 working days. Some test centres offer a partial retest for free or at a reduced fee if the repairs are done within this period. It's best to address the required repairs promptly to get back on the road legally.
How long does an MOT retest take?
The duration of an MOT retest depends on the nature of the failed items:
Partial Retest: If only specific items need checking, it can take as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
Full Retest: If the vehicle requires a complete re-examination, expect it to take the standard 45 to 90 minutes.